As the world continues to confront the challenge of child labour, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has renewed calls for its eradication, stressing that every child deserves access to education, safety, and the opportunity to thrive.
Tinubu said no child should be forced into labour or denied the chance to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams, adding that protecting children must remain a national priority.
The statement was delivered on Friday, during commemorations marking the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, themed “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”
According to her, children must be protected from all forms of exploitation and provided with environments that allow them to flourish.
“Children belong in homes, classrooms, playgrounds and safe environments where they can grow and thrive,” the First Lady said.
She urged Nigerians to raise a “red card” against child labour and take collective responsibility for building a safer and more promising future for children.
The First Lady also called for sustained investment in children’s welfare, saying such efforts would strengthen families and communities and reduce vulnerability to exploitation.
“We must work together for a promising future by raising a red card against child labour,” she added.
She described child labour as a violation of innocence and a threat to national development, stressing that protecting children is essential to securing the country’s future.